What is a genotype?

A genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an individual, meaning it encompasses the specific set of genes that are inherited from both parents. This includes the alleles present for a given trait, which can be expressed in various ways, leading to different phenotypic outcomes, or physical traits. The genotype is crucial for understanding inheritance patterns, as it directly influences the potential traits an organism may exhibit, even if some traits are not visibly expressed.

For example, an individual might carry alleles for both blue and brown eyes but may only show the brown eye trait phenotypically because brown is a dominant allele. Therefore, knowing the genotype provides insights into the possible genetic variations that can arise through reproduction and how traits can be inherited across generations.

In contrast, the other concepts listed focus more on appearances or interactions rather than the underlying genetic make-up. Observed characteristics and traits, while important, stem from the genotype rather than defining it.